people gathered here at bell park near cesar chavez academy for a first, fireworks in east palo alto for the 4th of july and the 28th anniversary of the city. in the past, the only fireworks in east palo alto were illegal or worst, gunfire. >> this is a good start to make sure people understand that it's not safe to use illegal fireworks and to join this event so we can actually save lives as well as make sure people are safe. >> reporter: palo alto is especially proud that private donors came up with the $18,000 to put on the free show. while other communities decided to let fireworks go this year because of budget woes. >> three years ago we had 16 homicides in this community. two years ago we had eight, last year we had four, and this year we've had two and we hope that's where it stays. we have a lot to celebrate and i think the turn around is time. . >> reporter: certainly something worth celebrating on the 4th of july weekend here in east palo alto. lots of folks happy this happy. >>> thank you we have a complete list of shows happening all around the bay area on our website, b